Self-esteem

Adlerian Psychotherapist Rudolf Dreikurs states that low self-value can turn a child's behaviour away from co-operation and contribution.

"The child's behaviour gives the clue to her self-estimation. The child who doubts her own ability and her own value will demonstrate it through her deficiencies. She no longer seeks to belong through usefulness, participation, and contributions. In her discouragement she turns to useless and provocative behaviour. Convinced that she is inadequate and cannot contribute, she determines that at least she will be noticed one way or another. To be spanked is better than to be ignored. And there is a distinction in being known as "the bad girl". Such a child has become convinced that there is no hope of gaining a place through co-operative behaviour"

Rudolf Dreikurs

If this happened to us as a child, we are now at risk of continuing this pattern as an adult. If we continue to have low self-esteem, we will continue to feel discouraged and useless. To help turn this life pattern around and find self-acceptance and courage, therapy might be a good option.